A recent investigation into NHS maternity services has unveiled a disturbing pattern of racism, neglect, and inadequate facilities that threatens the safety and dignity of women giving birth across the UK. The inquiry, led by Baroness Valerie Amos, highlights serious shortcomings and a culture of discrimination that has left many families feeling unheard and unsupported during such a critical time.
Disturbing Findings from the Amos Inquiry
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) report, published on February 26, 2026, draws on the experiences of 400 families and feedback from over 8,000 individuals. It reveals appalling instances of racial stereotyping, with Asian women being labelled as “princesses” and black women’s pain often dismissed. This inquiry sheds light on a healthcare system where women are not only subjected to physical distress but are also met with prejudice and insensitivity from staff.
Among the report’s shocking findings is the dire state of many maternity wards, where women have had to give birth in corridors due to overcrowding and lack of proper facilities. One particularly alarming account detailed how women needing assisted vaginal deliveries were forced to do so with the door to their room wide open, exposing them to the hall and compromising their privacy.
Baroness Amos questioned how such conditions could be tolerated in 2026, stating, “It is inconceivable that anyone would choose to give birth in such a manner.”
A Culture of Disregard
The inquiry paints a grim picture of a maternity service that is overburdened and under-resourced, leading to significant delays in care such as inductions and planned C-sections. Bereavement care is particularly inadequate, with grieving parents often being thrust into situations where they encounter other mothers in labour, exacerbating their trauma.
Furthermore, many women reported feeling blamed for complications during pregnancy and labour, with one individual recalling being told she was “too fat to have children.” Such comments reflect a broader culture within the NHS that lacks compassion and understanding, particularly towards young families and those from marginalised backgrounds.
Baroness Amos expressed her dismay at the repetitive nature of these issues, noting that despite numerous reviews and calls for reform, families continue to face the same challenges. “Time and time again, we see the same issues,” she remarked. “This cycle must stop.”
Systemic Racism and Discrimination
The inquiry’s findings reveal alarming levels of racism and bias within maternity services. Asian women reported being stereotyped, while black women shared experiences of their pain being trivialised. One black woman recounted how, in her desperate pleas for help, she was perceived as an “angry Black woman,” highlighting the intersection of race and healthcare.
Discrimination also extended to LGBT+ families and non-English speakers, with one family notably lacking translation services and learning of their baby’s death through a distressing overheard comment. These testimonies highlight a healthcare environment that, instead of providing support, often perpetuates injustice and suffering.
Calls for Urgent Reform
Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest and chair of an all-party parliamentary group on maternity services, has called for immediate reforms to address these disparities. “For far too long, women and babies – especially those from Black, Asian, and deprived communities – have faced unacceptable disparities in outcomes,” she stated. “Families deserve more than warm words; they deserve action.”
Baroness Amos is expected to release her initial recommendations in Spring 2026, with a final report to follow later in the year. The inquiry remains open for families to share their experiences until March 17, 2026, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and reform.
Why it Matters
The revelations from the Amos inquiry are not merely alarming; they are a vital call to action for the NHS and society at large. The systemic issues laid bare in this report reflect a healthcare system that has failed to protect some of its most vulnerable citizens. Addressing these failings is not only essential for rebuilding trust in maternity services but is also critical for ensuring that every woman receives the care and respect she deserves during one of the most significant moments of her life. The urgency for change cannot be overstated; lives depend on it.
